🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

528xi

Model Year Start:

2007

Model Year End:

2010

Chassis Code:

E60 (for Sedan), E61 (for Touring/Wagon)

Engine Code Prefix:

N52

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Wagon

Brand Positioning:

BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

Primary Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus GS, Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF

All Wheel Drive:

Standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability in various road conditions.

Engine Technology:

Naturally aspirated inline-six engine with advanced technologies like Valvetronic and VANOS for performance and efficiency.

Idrive Infotainment:

Early generation iDrive system controlling navigation, audio, climate, and vehicle settings via a central controller and display.

Build Quality:

Renowned BMW build quality and premium interior materials.

📋 Manual Details

Region Coverage:

Primarily North America, with general applicability to global markets

Total Pages:

1662

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), cooling system

Drivetrain:

xDrive all-wheel drive system, transfer case, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, axle shafts

Transmission:

Automatic transmission (e.g., GA6HP19Z), transmission control unit (TCM), shift mechanisms, torque converter

Chassis:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, braking system (including ABS, DSC), wheel bearings, wheel alignment

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, Body Control Module (BCM), Central Information Display (CID), iDrive system

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heater core, climate control unit, sensors

Body & Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, seats, dashboard, trim, airbags, seat belts

Diagnostics:

OBD-II diagnostics, troubleshooting guides, fault code identification and interpretation, specific diagnostic procedures

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement

Component Removal & Installation:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for removing and installing virtually all mechanical and electrical components

Troubleshooting & Diagnostics:

Systematic approaches to identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including electrical gremlins and performance problems

Repair Procedures:

Specific repair instructions for various systems, such as engine rebuilds, transmission service, suspension component replacement, and electrical system repairs

Specifications & Tolerances:

Precise torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical specifications for accurate repairs and adjustments

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems, crucial for diagnosing electrical faults

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, and complex electrical diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text (OCR processed)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder (I6)

Engine Code:

N52B30

Displacement:

2,996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85 mm x 88 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower:

230 hp @ 6,500 RPM

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 2,750 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with direct ignition coils

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Valve Control:

Valvetronic (fully variable valve lift) and Double VANOS (variable camshaft timing)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Manual Transmission:

No manual transmission option available for the 528xi model in these years.

Drivetrain Type:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission Fluid Type:

BMW ATF 71141 or LT-2 (refer to manual for specific part numbers and capacity)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 191.8 inches (4873 mm)

Width:

Approx. 72.4 inches (1839 mm)

Height:

Approx. 57.5 inches (1461 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 116.4 inches (2957 mm)

Trunk Capacity:

Approx. 14 cu ft (Sedan), Approx. 17.6 cu ft (Wagon, rear seats up)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3,858 - 4,050 lbs (1750 - 1837 kg), varies by model and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Refer to vehicle specific label (GVWR)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (for driver and front passenger in most configurations)

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Good (for models tested)

Traction Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver/passenger), side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtains)

Seat Belts:

Front and rear seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system

💡 Technology Features

System Name:

iDrive (first generation)

Display:

Central high-resolution color display integrated into the dashboard.

Controller:

Central rotary iDrive controller with surrounding buttons.

Features:

Navigation system, Radio (AM/FM), CD player, optional Satellite Radio, Bluetooth connectivity (often requiring an adapter or specific phone compatibility), auxiliary audio input.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC)

Parking Assistance:

Optional front and rear Park Distance Control (PDC)

Bluetooth:

Available for hands-free calling, functionality may vary by phone model.

Usb Port:

Not standard in early models; often integrated via aftermarket adapters or specific packages.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil quality, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Brakes:

Brake pad wear sensors indicate when replacement is needed. Fluid flush recommended every 2 years.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plugs:

Typically replace at 100,000 miles for iridium plugs.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent)

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)

Oil Leaks:

Common oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing due to aging seals.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump and thermostat failures are also reported.

Pcv System:

Crankcase ventilation (PCV) system can clog, leading to vacuum leaks and rough idle. The valve itself is a common failure point.

Ignition Coils & Spark Plugs:

Misfires can occur due to failing ignition coils or worn spark plugs, especially at higher mileage.

Xdrive Transfer Case:

Servicing the transfer case fluid is crucial to prevent premature wear. Some units may develop whine or clunking sounds.

Idrive System:

Early versions of iDrive can be complex and prone to occasional glitches or frozen displays. Software updates may be required.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for building premium, performance-oriented vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics.

E60 Generation:

The E60 generation (2004-2010) marked a significant departure in styling and technology from its E39 predecessor, introducing the controversial iDrive system and a more modern, athletic design.

Xi Designation:

The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, introduced to broaden market appeal, particularly in regions with challenging weather.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, with potential assembly in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward'S 10 Best Engines:

The N52 engine family (including the 3.0L variant) was recognized multiple times by Ward's AutoWorld for its smooth operation, power delivery, and technological advancements.

Safety Awards:

The E60 platform generally received good safety ratings from major organizations like IIHS and NHTSA for its respective model years.

Consumer Reports:

Consumer Reports rankings and reviews for this generation varied, with praise for performance and handling, but some criticism regarding reliability of electronics and complex systems.